Panasonic S1H review: Netflix video quality comes to mirrorless cameras

The day that it came out, Panasonic’s S1H shot to the top of filmmakers’ lists of must-have mirrorless cameras for video. The GH5 was already a hugely popular camera among vloggers and videographers, and the S1H is much like that model, on steroids. It has a dual-ISO, 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor that lets you shoot 60 fps, 4K and even 6K video. Better still, it recently became the first ever mirrorless camera approved for Netflix productions.
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[@Andru]

I upgraded to the Panasonic S1H 2 weeks ago, up from a GH5. I’m surprised how easy the camera is to use and learn - this is the best camera I’ve ever used!

[@Theartistsloungecafe.]

What about the lenses used on gh5 do I have to purchase new lenses or can I continue with the ones I use already

[@swirvcreatives]

Switch Productions the s1h is a full frame, while gh5 is 4:3 so yeh you can't use those same lens on the s1h

[@BobbyWashingtonvlog]

Did you keep the GH5 or did you sell them?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Did you have IBIS turned off on the vlog part around 2:00 minutes? Seemed very jittery.

[@stevetdent]

No, it was turned on

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Steve Dent thanks. Seemed very jittery there. I didn’t catch the lens you were using? Trying to decide if I should move from my XT3 to the S1H.

[@ajinkyathorat7502]

@@RobRidesEMTB Yup, now s1h shoots 5.9k raw.

[@webvamsi555]

@@RobRidesEMTB have you moved? Xt4 is not happy to me and canon R5 is way too much so ... thinking of this!

[@LonzosStudios]

@@webvamsi555 isn't the canon R5 cheaper than this?

[@wparo]

Clear information + straight to the point examples = Instant Subscribe

[@SaintKriss]

I've been contemplating for the past few days which camera to get. This video hopefully hasn't sold me dreams. *Adds to cart*

[@DrShaym]

You neglected to mention that the S1H will also support 5.9K RAW output, as well as ProRes to an external recorder. It's also compatible with the DMW-XLR1 like the GH5.

[@jamiedetwiler773]

Planning on picking up this camera and the L mount Sigma lenses fo my own personal projects. I use the GH5 & GH5s for corporate work, and I am completely sold on the stabilized sensor and 10 bit video.

[@ILaxative]

I just bought yesterday and Wow!!! Glad I passed up alllllll the other options I was considering

[@garfieldmtify]

Black_HowL 7evin how is it? Thanks

[@ILaxative]

Garfield Crooks it’s amazing man!! I am using it with the sigma 35mm art 1.4 and it’s just night and day from what i was shooting with. I wanted to get the bmpcc 6k but I don’t think i need raw. It has all the stuff I need from the a7iii and others wrapped up into one body and I can always prepare for a Netflix film whenever I’m ready

[@Boyj1181]

@@ILaxative I agree. I just got an S1H and passed up the BMPCC 6K. I have a friend with the 6K and though I do like that camera, I prefer the stabilization and the extra picture profiles that allow me to shoot in other than 6k. I will likely use the RAW option because I do have an Atomos Ninja from my last setup, but I am not regretting this purchase at all.

[@ILaxative]

Bobby James That’s what I need to get. Is The ninja raw update came out yet? I saw it was released for the Nikon camera but didn’t see it for the s1h.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

For the first time in a while. I am really excited for a camera body. (:

[@tweeterpeaked2681]

The power of saving up.

[@KeithsTVHD1]

Saving up and/or good credit.

[@robertjordon5782]

Good to know when my business start growing I will consider it.

[@aaronburriss]

Might have to get this for Christmas!!

[@SupremeLogo]

Lazyron Studios exactly

[@MrJacobCastro]

I've been filming and uploading videos with many different cameras throughout the years I've been on KZbin. I've used consumer camcorders, DSLR's, high end professional cameras and more but about two years ago I started using my iPhone as my dedicated KZbin camera. It wasn't an easy choice but I decided I was going to wait till something really game changing came out before I ever considered buying a new camera. Recently I've become increasingly frustrated with my iPhone's limitations and its been a while since I owned a new camera, so I decided to start looking for a new one, I looked at traditional camcorders, DSLR's and mirrorless cameras only to be disappointed with everything I was seeing. My thing is, if its not good in low light, I don't want it and with low light capability being one of the biggest struggles for A LOT of cameras out there, it seemed impossible that I was ever going to find something worth buying. Then......I found the S1H. Yes it is expensive but through my research, its literally the only camera that justifies the price. Even traditional camcorders that cost almost double of the S1H don't come close. A lot of expensive DSLR's and mirrorless cameras don't either. I have to admit I did consider making a couple sacrifices and going with a cheaper camera, but I always ended up back at the S1H. Its HIGHLY future proof and is everything any KZbinr could ever need for the life of their channel. Needless to say, it'll be delivered soon and I can't wait to get going with it. Its going to tremendously upgrade the quality of my content. For everyone out there complaining about the price, do some research and you'll see that its actually very reasonable and considering all the features it offers, a great deal.

[@masterphonephotography4522]

Like all Panasonic cameras is has problems with continuous autofocus, which is years out of date.

[@wiseman8785]

This comparions is amazing, and the quality of the video is indescribable!!

[@ZaccheusMukahiwa]

This will be the perfect upgrade from my GH5! What a gift for visual creatives!

[@ZaccheusMukahiwa]

Mugen00 indeed! Good looking out 😂 had to edit that quick

[@DeepteshLovesTECH]

If Panasonic ever figures out Video AF,they'll be dangerously good, the G85 still has no replacement in 2019 for the price, the GH5 still kicks ass! Video AF is important to you? Panasonic is not for you, everything else is mostly on point! The S1H's only competitor is the Sony A7Siii. The Bar is set.

[@en.6565]

"The S1H's only competitor is the Sony A7Siii." Please show me a link to the A7Siii's product page and /or revirews. Oh, that's right, it doesn't exist. For now, enjoy Sony's no 4K60p 8bit 4:2:0 MILC cameras.

[@DeepteshLovesTECH]

@@en.6565 I mean there are no cameras other than the upcoming A7siii. Canon has nothing, neither Nikon. Only Sony can beat it, if it can provide same capabilities with Sony's AF.

[@w.w.7148]

@@en.6565 Correct, how stupid to compare that old aged 8bit camera to this piece of future technology.

[@haroldlauhoyan]

Maybe the upcoming 1dx3,, but that's a dying lens mount

[@hotconductor4749]

Still love the GH5.

[@AlehandrosArhangelos]

At this point there are so many professional entry level cameras that I can't decide which one I can't afford, seriously there are so many!

[@jonathanalfred446]

the image is stunning ! Great video!!

[@VoltesWithElias]

I want one but cannot afford the price tag. Can I just go with the GH5 for now? Full frame sensor is the only major thing I'll be missing right?

[@Kurtiskurtical]

GH5 is a superb camera. I’ve owned mine for 2+ years and still love it. If you want a camera for photography and video, go with the GH5. If you’re getting it strictly for video, go with the GH5s. The GH5 has a higher megapixel count for photography. The GH5s has better lowlight performance for video but sacrifices megapixel count to do so.

[@VoltesWithElias]

Kurtiskurtical Excellent advice thanks for the tip! Yes, I’d be getting it purely for video. I wonder is there a difference in cost? 🤔

[@timschweizerpuntt3025]

A beauty to hold and behold.

[@parthasarathimishra8262]

Then please tell us which are the better cameras for film making in this range.

[@Praet0ri4n]

This camera is The Beast ! And it's got beautiful chunky design overall.

[@playproduction8853]

What an enormous beast!

[@ratt57]

Thanks for the great video!! Panasonic advertises that this camera has "anamorphic capabilities." What does that mean? And could you also tell me what kind of lens you were using with the S1H in this video? Thanks!

[@craigingber3872]

Fantastic review! Thank you!

[@pedromedina7349]

it really costs more than U$4000 because of L-mount lenses. One of my dream cameras

[@Drascojah]

Hello dear. I am primarily a music video shooter so I DON'T care so much about 6K. If I have the option between S1H+ 24-105 f4 and S1+24-70 mm 2.8 mm, what would you recommend?

[@CoreyEmbring]

The S1 and S1H have identical ISO performance.

[@DeepteshLovesTECH]

No, S1H has dual native iso, it doesn't have much grain at 4000 iso in V-Log and same dynamic range that it has at iso 800.

[@zavadajanos]

Also this was a camera used in Burnham's Inside

[@munawrsa]

film making is my thing but i dont have $4000

[@insayno]

If 4000 is too much, film making is not your thing.

[@Tomas_42]

@Mircea Badea BMPCC 6K have APS-C sensor, S1H have full frame. But I agree you can do it for faaaaar less money than 4000usd

[@lasarith2]

Munawar Salim better to pick up a Sony A6400

[@RodolphosTechchannel]

Xt3 much better

[@brian-beeler]

​@@RodolphosTechchannel Agreed that the X-T3 is a better all around camera with the exception that it doesn't have IBS. Fujifilm makes some of the best lenses out there for less money than Nikon and Canon. I'm looking forward to seeing what the X-H2 will offer. If you can live with 4Kp24 200Mbps I'd go for a used X-H1 which has IBS and they can be had for

[@miklosnemeth8566]

Unfortunately, continuous video AF is absolutely not OK, at 2:10 and other places the face is blurry and annoyingly out of focus. For $4000 I'd expect an AF system like Canon and Sony have.

[@javilomas1208]

Don't have signal Hdmi output when you record in 6k and 5.9k.

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

You video quality really stands out.

[@macandbern]

Saw that dust in the sensor and thought I was watching a horror flick. . .

[@JacobLCharles]

Me too! Ugh.

[@malikkelly]

1DX MK III is out now

[@esmpmedia8586]

Hello, would you mind sharing your setting for autofocus, speed, sensitivity, Continous Focus, etc ?

[@MandeepGadgetBoy]

1:25 how did you manage to overexpose that shot?

[@dovgurewicz]

Excellent video thank you

[@hardeepjimander5958]

Which lenses didi you use in this video?

[@danieldougan269]

I think the Sony a7S III is another great option, and Netflix should approve it too. It has the same sensor as the FX6, which is Netflix-approved. Besides the low-light advantage of the a7S III, I think the bigger advantage is the excellent autofocus. It's definitely a superior choice for vlogging and run-and-gun work. Sure, the footage from the S1H is a little sharper, and it can take 24 MP photos, but I think the other advantages of the a7S III more than compensate for that.

[@deniss.6205]

Oh yes! If Netflix can tell us what is good for them, then THIS would be the gear to get. They ARE the modern cinema owners after all...

[@NEOMASS0]

geez they can't accept my old Rebel t4i....

[@yusuftripleafilms]

Good review. Thank you. Can you provide the files, 4K 400mbps, we can download it? provide link? I really want to check the quality. ?...Tks.

[@secrethumanmachine]

where did you get your beanie tho?

[@karinaflorenciani412]

What is the best 4K Lens for the lumix G7? For short films??

[@DavidRider]

I enjoyed watching this

[@Tomas_42]

Somebody got crazy with saturation slider?

[@milodemar]

Some of these comments really hurt to read

[@jdiezcreative6718]

Please clarify the Netflix video mode: MOV All I, 400 M/Sec V-Log L 4k 30 f.p.s. Is full frame or S35? Thanks!

[@jdiezcreative6718]

And you can record that on cards? No need external HDDs like Atomos?

[@DrShaym]

I'm pretty sure it can do 400 Mbps All-I in either full frame or super 35 crop. And yes, it can record that to a SD card. It just needs to be UHS-II.

[@JefffRushton]

Wallet has left the chat

[@JoaoSilva22222]

Is it true????? Will netflix include this beast on their approved list???

[@crisvega7588]

Already did

[@JoaoSilva22222]

@@crisvega7588 really cool, cant wait to own one for the next 10 years

[@vincentvergara2728]

Does anyone know if the s1h ever goes on sale?

[@Daveortiz693]

Great review, where do we get the information for Netflix approved productions?

[@impatrickt]

just google "Netflix production requirements" and there's a PDF

[@antonv.]

Thanks!

[@dragon47208]

Whats iso mean?

[@TheFaustianMan]

As someone who owns this camera it is far from perfect or even usable in a lot of scenarios and this reviewer missed them BIG TIME. And if anyone buys this camera based on this review, they are going to be in for a bad time. A few things: No one is going to use this for vlogging. That would be as fucking stupid and asinine as those fuckboys who use REDs to VLOG. The NETFLIX thing is fucking pure marketing hype. ARRIs aren't on the NETFLIX spec sheet but this is. So that's how much NETFLIX IS. Also NETFLIX only says this can be your A cam, but anything can be a B cam, only if you're producing for NETFLIX. Which is dying anyway because of Disney +, let's face it. The crop factor. Shooting at 4k 60p makes this ASPC slightly larger than the GH5. SLIGHTLY! The fact you cannot see what you record to external monitors. Do you think a professional crew is going to use this camera to shoot completely blind while recording? NO WAY IN HELL. Also the rolling shutter is attrocious and there is image ghosting - severe image ghosting. And Blue peaking! You cannot shoot Blue lights with this camera or you will kill the sensor. Don't believe me check out the B&H video. In short this camera is overpromised and oversold and barely delivers workable images. The L-Mount was a mistake. That is not a good lens system with this camera. Period. PL mount with a cage? lol

[@Lifewithibby97]

What would you recommend at this price point

[@odiahitech5167]

Which camera u using..

[@legendaryblaze817]

You should have rendered this video in 5K 2880pHD!

[@rowanstrang8072]

I’m just waiting for panasonic to do a full frame camera that can actually shoot 50p in full frame.

[@ProceraHealth]

Why are you waiting on a DSLR to do a cinema cameras job? Just go buy a cinema camera

[@auroraflash]

So what’s the automatic focus like?

[@Lp-ze1tg]

Would you say a qualified gimbal for the S1H will be a comparable choice via Canon C300?

[@jaiphone1864]

thank you

[@harriskhan6787]

@ 4:07 I thought she is Doll 😯

[@thecameraguys5381]

2:30 IBIS? It looks awfully shaky and unstable.

[@AlecGalicia]

That’s because he’s using a heavy camera on a gorilla pod. If he had a better more stable stick he’d probably get better results

[@auroraflash]

Man oh man, the thing costs 4 grand...

[@DimAngelProductions]

No point w the bmpcc6k out there for much cheaper

[@jaegermah]

I like the chickens in the background..

[@DEVUNK88]

if Canon ever puts IBIS in any of their new releases they will be hard to beat

[@mikeselsewhere7526]

IBIS is the least of their worries. Their mirrorless cameras belong in a dumpster.

[@kritikavideocreater]

How to setting up video for netflix movie

[@dgstudioLLC]

Ordering mines today i love my GH5 but this is butter. I need to check with netflix thou

[@JamesPrime1]

Just when you think you’re ballin 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@minarimon3106]

Is it better than Sony A7s ii in low light performance??

[@dgcustomtshirtsphotogifts3738]

i will getting mines today

[@minarimon3106]

Is it better than Sony A7s ii in extreme low light performance??

[@InconsistentContent]

Low budget, for just $4000.... Is my wallet a joke to you

[@DeepteshLovesTECH]

Then you may look into the prices of cameras used to make Netflix content.

[@louielambretta389]

canons new 6k camera (c500m2) is 20k..

[@InconsistentContent]

@@louielambretta389 Yeah. That's high budget. That doesn't make 4k low budget XD a Cybershot camera is low budget

[@InconsistentContent]

@@DeepteshLovesTECH "A cheaper alternative" does not equal "low budget". Words matter

[@JayGrapherBKK]

@@DeepteshLovesTECH i didnt know that the blackmagic cameras are not certified netflix ... would you know why or what the new blackmagic is missing?

[@chcomes]

the issue w stabilization in video is maybe bc you are in tripod mode

[@andyorozco2061]

It can be turned off

[@RavenYang]

great making

[@sergioespinoza1697]

6:30 UFO Ovni

[@Sorennn94]

How much does it costs??😅

[@LimMengkruy]

How Much ??

[@hmarmol23]

Does it put out a clean HDMI signal?

[@DrShaym]

Yes. It will even support 6K RAW output with a future firmware update.

[@pauloancarvalho]

Yes but... I would still purchase an 1dx ii or even wait for the mark iii because i don't care about producing for netflix. :)

[@hermanpierrot]

The new 1DX Mark 3 is going to internally record 4k 60 10bit 422 and has c-log build in. But.. will not have a rotating screen (my guess) and no IBIS either.

[@haroldlauhoyan]

And a dying lens mount 😴

[@ninjaman58]

It is using that budget 6k sensor from Sony I've heard.

[@michaelmonzon]

In the first minute you’re making mistakes. It can record 5.4k yes. But the point of the hole thing is the fact that’s 6k..., and your skipped it?!

[@psychodeliverance]

I've bought it and the footage is stunning, however, if Panasonic doesnt update via firmware the auto focus to a standed comparable to Sony or Canon by year's end of 2020, im selling it for the upcoming Sony or Canon version of this camera, since they will have these relative specs but with an already highly serviceable auto focus.

[@bobbywashington7832]

Can I use my GH5 as a B camera if I'm doing a film geared for Netflix? Ofcourse I'll use the S1H for A Cam

[@jamescook5931]

What are your favorite lens to use with this camera for video?

[@digwillhachi]

why would you buy this over a bmpcc ?

[@knobelix]

Bmpcc cant Shoot Stills and dont have sensorshifting- highres mode and ibis

[@expatlifekorea9526]

Full frame, IBIS, weather sealing, battery life, reliability, and ability to shoot without any extra accessories for all situations. For narrative work I think BMPCC 6K is a better option unless you really want the full frame look. For run and gun shooting the BMPCC 6K is no match.

[@DrShaym]

@@expatlifekorea9526 Not to mention the Black Magic uses an EF mount, which may be convenient for some who already have EF lenses, but the long flange distance limits adapter compatibility.

[@shawnmiller8169]

If you don't need more video/film production centric features like timecode, phantom powered microphone ports, LUT support (for director's monitor), slate metadata entry, Prores capture, internal raw recording, etc., then the S1H might make a lot more sense. It just depends on what you need the camera to do and how it fits into a production pipeline.

[@DrShaym]

@@shawnmiller8169 The S1H does have timecode. The remote flash input doubles as a timecode out with the included adapter cable. It will also provide phantom power to two XLR microphones with the DMW-XLR1 adapter which interfaces with the hot shoe. It will also output both ProRes and 6K RAW to an external recorder with a future firmware update.

[@DamianBrown]

How many more mid rolls ads?

[@pareidolia1]

You can get a bmpcc4k and a bmpcc 6k and still have left over cash for the original bmpcc at this price 🙄

[@sethie_shots]

how is it at :10 hes just gonna leave that huge piece of dust on the sensor??? *edit- I see the lens hood on backwards, that checks out

[@darkyagami4139]

But real question is; is it better than the Blackmagic Pocket 6K? 🤔

[@cloud84strife]

Cool video, but excuse me, what means "Netflix video quality"? It sounds too generic. Netflix have a lot of videos, from 1080 videos (most of all documentaries) made with a medium/cheap camera, to movies blockbuster made with Alexa, Red, etc..

[@OrrWeiss]

Damn, and I just bought the Sony a7iii

[@OrrWeiss]

@Mr. Lotato possibly

[@jessea.3883]

@Mr. Lotato Why isn't it?

[@OrrWeiss]

@@jessea.3883 maybe because there are cameras like the Sony a7iii which offer so much for much cheaper

[@a.ffirmative]

He said Low budget

[@XavierAncarno]

The menu layout seems more ergonomic and logic than the Sony nonsense

[@FlyingArtz.]

Xavier Ancarno yeah the few draw backs of Sony the dame menu layout 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@XavierAncarno]

@@FlyingArtz. this is mind boggling... I Come from Canon stable. And even after 1 year i'm still struggling with my A7riii menu. Thanks god. I remapped all the button for the essential command. But seriously Sony needs to put his s*it together. This ain't 1998 anymore.

[@Igor-qp9fo]

in the beginning, the spot on the sensor on the left bottom side of sensor ist annoying.

[@KasaiFilms8]

$4000 is very cheap for Netflix quality...if you can't afford, then stick to youtube filmmaking. But think about it...most cinema ready cameras are $4000 or better. I will definitely invest in this camera just to have a light camera that can go on a gimbal for action shots or oners...

[@kimoykalinago4154]

Hello whats the best camera for vlogging?? I want as much bang for my buck but i definitely dont want to pay more than $1000

[@nizammiah6511]

A used Sony A7rii should be fine

[@kimoykalinago4154]

@@nizammiah6511 hey thanks also is a camera better to use than a cam corder

[@nizammiah6511]

@@kimoykalinago4154 Camcorders dedicated for vlogging are being phased out. A used high end mirror less camera such as the Panasonic GH4 or Sony A7rii will do a great job and also double for photography

[@kimoykalinago4154]

@@nizammiah6511 ah great thanks a lot 😊

[@haroldlauhoyan]

Canon m50

[@KungPowEnterFist]

Ridiculously large and heavy. Lots of caveats with 6k. Price tag is probably not crazy, but the AF seems to be pretty bad for such a high price point. Sony A7iii and Nikon Z6 actually shoot in 6k and down sample in camera to 4k, with, honestly, a finished product that does not seem all that far apart based on what you have shown here. I am sure I am wrong about that, but it will probably take laboratory conditions to prove it. Sony A7iii and Nikon Z6 seem to have at least the same low light ISO performance based on what you showed here, with the quality limit being 12800 but still usable to 25600. As a photography camera, the S1H will likely get matched or beat by under $1000 mirrorless cameras. I am sure this camera will appeal to a certain, select few, but this seems far from a home run at $4000. At $2500, maybe.

[@robertwauu59]

"AF is solid" LOOOOOL yeah right

[@DanielTroyer]

I bought an Arri Alexa for less than these cost lol